Shopping at a dispensary can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. Use this shopping guide to get the most out of your first time.
Get In The Know
Familiarize yourself with some keywords that dispensary staff might use to help you make your purchase.
VARIETAL
This word is used interchangeably with what we used to call a “strain”. It refers to the specific varieties of cannabis.
Examples: OG Kush, Purple Haze, Great White Shark, etc.
INDICA AND SATIVA
These are two broad types of cannabis. Most cannabis on the market is hybridized, and possesses properties of both types.
THC AND CBD
These compounds influence the potency of your cannabis experience.
Get Real
Honestly reflect on your experiences with cannabis so far. The more information you can provide a dispensary staff, the better recommendations they’re able to give.
What has worked for you in the past?
Which forms, varietals, accessories, and settings were a part of experiences you’ve enjoyed?
Have you ever responded negatively to cannabis?
Which forms, varietals, accessories, and settings have been a part of unenjoyable experiences for you?
Get Ready
Don’t make the trip for nothing. Make sure you have everything you need before you go.
BRING YOUR ID
No legal dispensary will sell you cannabis without a piece of government-issued identification indicating that you’re of legal age. Make sure to bring it with you.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Dispensaries get busy, and often have an intake process you’ll have to complete on your first visit. It’s no fun to rush, so give yourself at least an hour to shop, just in case.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Jot down questions and concerns you have before you get to the dispensary. If you have a cannabis journal, be sure to bring it.
Get The Right Gear
Make sure you have the accessories you need to consume in the way that works for you. Consider where and when you like to consume when you choose an accessory. Check out our Starter’s kit to get going.
Flower
Flower is consumed with papers, bongs, vapes and pipes.
Capsules, Oils, and Sprays
Ingestibles like Oils, Capsules and Sprays are good to go on their own.
Get Into It
What’s the hurry? Engage with the products and shop around, so you can walk away confident in your well-informed purchase.
Find a LocationASK QUESTIONS
There are no silly questions when you’re shopping for cannabis. Make sure to clarify anything you’re unsure of so your choices are confident and well-informed.
DON’T BE SHY
Remember it’s okay to take your time getting to know the product. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff to look at or smell any varietals of interest. If there’s nothing that appeals to you, it’s also okay to leave empty-handed.
PICK UP A CANNABIS JOURNAL
Tokyo Smoke dispensaries have hard copies of our cannabis journals on hand. Document your findings with new varietals, forms and accessories to help guide your future shopping experiences.
